Insurance

Pig People from Outer Space

July 29, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">ProCare Blog</p> <p>Will Californians be able to get the Governator and regulators to investigate whether WellPoint, parent company of Blue Cross California, has broken it's promise not to pass the buck of merger related expenses onto patients?</p>

WellPoint Earnings More Than Double

July 28, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumer advocates said the increased profit showed that WellPoint made patients rather than shareholders pay for combining the companies, violating promises to states. That is the subject of an investigation by California regulators.</p>

House OKs association health plans

July 27, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Washington Times</p> <p>State requirements for coverage of services like diabetes treatments and breast-cancer screenings could be eliminated under the health plans, said Carmen Balber, spokeswoman for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a Santa Monica, Calif., consumer advocacy group. </p>

Why are the Dems caving in on Cox?

July 25, 2005  ·  Jamie Court

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>In a better world, next week's Senate confirmation hearings on the nomination of Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Newport Beach) to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission would be the Democratic Party's finest hour. The hearings offer a perfect opportunity to decry Wall Street's looting of Main Street and to put the GOP on trial for creating the conditions under which corporate criminals flourished.</p>

Health care mergers get applause, skepticism

July 18, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p> "We are looking at a system where a very small number of companies control the health insurance market and set their terms and conditions without fear," said Jamie Court, president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica. "I think the trend is only going to continue." </p>

Governor to quit 2nd job;

July 17, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Schwarzenegger relents amid controversy over lucrative pay and potential conflict of interest</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>"Schwarzenegger did something he absolutely had to do, but he should never have put himself in this position in the first place," said Doug Heller, executive director of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a group that is a frequent Schwarzenegger critic. </p>

Pig People from Outer Space (PPOs)

July 16, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">www.nabeepchen.com</p> <p>If you've been screwed by health insurance, can't afford it, have a policy that sucks, or just want to laugh, take a look at this video from ConsumerWatchdog.org</p>

Governor Schwarzenegger under fire from government watchdogs who claim he’s getting a salary from a special interest group

July 16, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">TODAY SHOW - NBC-TV News</p> <p>Mr. DOUGLAS HELLER (Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights): This is as severe as a conflict gets, again, because it's so direct and clear. He did veto legislation and at the same time, he gets paid personally based on their ad purchases in magazines that he's involved with.</p>

Despite criticism, Schwarzenegger ignores conflict-of-interest concerns about magazine deal

July 15, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Despite a chorus of criticism, Gov. Arnold Schwarzengger largely ignored claims that a multimillion-dollar deal with a fitness magazine publisher poses a conflict of interest.</p>

California’s film star governor reaps new millions from muscle-man past

July 15, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Agence France Presse</p> <p>Arnold Schwarzenegger is cashing in on his body-building legacy with a multi-million-dollar magazine deal that has critics accusing California's celebrity governor of abusing his political muscle.</p>

CLAIM CAN CANCEL POLICY;

July 14, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>CONSUMER GROUP BACKS GARAMENDI'S DISCLOSURE RULES</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>Using your homeowners insurance shouldn't set you up for future hardship, consumer advocates charged Wednesday, as they spoke out in support of proposed changes to state insurance regulations.</p>

Critics claim multimillion-dollar consulting deal between California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and publisher of fitness magazines produces a conflict of interest

July 14, 2005  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">CBS-TV Evening News</p> <p>Mr. Doug Heller (Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights): Governor Schwarzenegger failed to disclose a contract with these muscle magazines, and as a result, he has violated his trust with the public of California.</p>